SINGAPORE AIRLINES CARGO FLIES IN INDIAN RHINO, THE LATEST ADDITION TO NIGHT SAFARI FROM USA, ON 16 APRIL 2009

Singapore, 17 April, 2009 – In a continuous effort to breed threatened species, Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) today received an Indian rhino from Oklahoma City Zoo, USA, for its animal breeding programme. The rhino, which flew in via Singapore Airlines Cargo accompanied by a veterinarian and a keeper, arrived in Singapore on April 18. The female rhino, Mary aged 19, will be quarantined for one month. Visitors can look forward to view her on exhibit during the upcoming June school holidays.

“Wildlife Reserves Singapore is pleased that Mary arrived safely. Singapore Airlines Cargo has been a trusted partner in transporting our precious and priceless animals to and from our parks. We are pleased to add Mary to the Indian rhino family as it will allow her to mingle, and we hope she will find the right partner in our male rhino that is currently on exhibit at the “Nepalese River Valley‟,” said Ms Fanny Lai, Group CEO Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

According to the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List, the Indian rhino is “vulnerable” meaning that it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Indian rhinos are among the largest of all rhino species, similar to the white rhino. Their natural habitat ranges include tall grasslands, alluvial plains, adjacent swamps and forests of India and Nepal. They are becoming endangered due to habitat loss, coupled with the regard in some culture that rhino horns are an aphrodisiac.

In the first half of the year, WRS parks Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, have scheduled several animal exchanges with other zoos globally. This is in line with WRS’ objective to raise awareness and conservation of species whose population are currently under threat. On 25 March, Night Safari received three Asian lions from Sakkarbaug Zoological Gardens, India. In exchange, Singapore Zoo sent two pairs of cheetahs on 28 March, all on Singapore Airlines Cargo.

“As a supporter of wildlife conservation, we are pleased to be a carrier and logistics partner of choice in this worthy endeavor. Our advanced B747-400 freighters, equipped with the necessary equipment to regulate temperature and cabin pressure, help towards the safe and successful delivery of these animals,” said Mr Tan Tiow Kor, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing, Singapore Airlines Cargo representative.